Leclerc is sure that Sainz "will be back at the top of the grid" in the near future
After his exit from Ferrari following the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Scuderia has released a farewell video in which Charles Leclerc reckons that they could always move on after their on-track incidents.
After Ferrari announced in February that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz from 2025, the Spaniard has been linked with several outfits.
Following month-long paddock chatter, the talks ended in August when Williams confirmed that they secured the services of the three-time F1 race winner who will join the Grove-based outfit from Ferrari on a two-year agreement with options to extend.
With Ferrari granting Sainz an early release, the Spaniard has managed to have a first taste of the FW46 as he completed a filming day with Williams at the Yas Marina Circuit yesterday before taking part in the Pirelli post-season tyre test today.
Reflecting on his four-year spell with Sainz at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc reckoned that he is sure the Spaniard will get an opportunity to drive for a top team in the future again.
“I can tell you, Carlos is so incredibly talented. He’s helped me to improve in so many areas, his work ethic, his talent, and just everything he brings.
“The discipline he has, he’s been just such an incredible team-mate. And I think if today, I will repeat myself, but if today we have done such a step forward in a year and in these four years, it’s a big thanks to Carlos. He’s just been extremely quick.
“In Formula 1, some things you don’t really have explanations for. There’s also luck that is involved to be at the right place at the right time and Carlos definitely deserves to be in a top team.
“But I’m sure that it’s just a matter of time before he comes back and joins us to fight for wins. He will give so much to Williams, the way he’s so sensitive to every small change and every small feeling there is in the car.
“I’ll definitely miss the fights. We’ve had our moments on track, but that’s only because we were fighting so close together and because he’s been pushing me all the way. And it’s been an absolute pleasure. And of course, in some moments, in the actual moment, in the present moment, there’s frustration.
“But I’m sure that, and actually already now, I’m looking back at those moments, with a lot of positive memories. And I wouldn’t be the driver I am today without him as my team-mate in the last four years. So yeah, it’s been a really big pleasure and four years that I will be looking back in the most positive way.
“And I wish him the best. But as I said, I have no doubts that he will be back at the top of the grid, whether it’s with Williams by his input or with someone else. But he deserves that. I think everybody knows that. And it’s just a matter of time before he comes back," concluded Leclerc.
